Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Best Crossover for the Money - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By HebrewDoc - May 28 - 1:13 am

  My choice of a crossover vehicle came down to a Subaru Tribeca or the CX-7. Clearly the Mazda looks 10X better, handles better, and costs less. Power is almost turbine-like, and the 6-speed transmission shifts very smoothly. The brakes on this vehicle are better than on any other car Ive owned. The Grand Touring interior is simply gorgeous.

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  A great car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By redmuddler - May 27 - 2:50 pm

  We bought our MPV new and it has been a great car. I like the exterior design and size. Honda and Toyota went bigger in 2003 leaving Mazda with this smaller size which is more agile and I think a sleeker design. The driving experience with this Mazda is surprising: it really is almost sporty, in any event very responsive. My only beef with this vehicle is the shifter sort of gets in the way of the controls on the dash board. Other than that, the moter runs like a top with enough power. At 74k miles now, the transmission seems like it might be acting differently, but no actual problems. After 8 years though Im afraid my wife wants "something new" so I may look around. But a great car.

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  downgrades - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By gliptone - May 27 - 2:23 pm

  i had a 2002 .that model had a sunroof pop up wind deflector 2008 does not 2002 had dual tone horns 2008 does not2002 had rear drum brakes this 2008 still does.rides better than 2002 corners not as well.

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  Luv my Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Thomask - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Was looking at either the PT Cruiser or the Mazda Tribute. After test-driving each, I fell in love with the Tribute. I like sitting up high and love the maneuverability of this small SUV. It is a great vehicle but has a little awkwardness in the placement of some key elements, such as gearshift and ignition switch. Even so, I would purchase another one in a minute!

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  Intial impressions of our new MX-5 - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark Goldberg - May 26 - 9:20 am

  Weve had the new 09 Miata for about two weeks now. Im an experienced technical review of video gear, so Im trying to apply those skills here. The MX-5 is exactly what a fun roadster should be, but was lacking till the introduction of the Miata in 1989. It holds the road beautifully and has just the right amount of power for what this car is supposed to be - a fun way to travel on a nice day. The engineering design seems very well thought out and offers opportunity to the experienced driver and user- friendliness and intuitiveness to the new roadster enthusiast. It is an amazing car and I love driving it.

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  Civic would have been better. - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By bleu4917 - May 26 - 3:10 am

  The car had a good solid feel in during the first 2 years, but after that things go down hill. The radio volume control doesnt work properly, hard to control volume. The auto memory doesnt work. Rust on most Mazdas of the same year (right side passenger door and trunk). Passenger mirror ripped off easily. Engine problems (RPM is not stable). Automatic door lock failed for one of the doors. Ac has a leak. ABS module has failed. Manual shift doesnt shift smoothly after 2 years.

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  LUVMYLIMITED - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By keith edwards - May 25 - 3:23 pm

  This is a wonderful car. Traded my 2000 Special Edition in for it. I think they took my car and ten Japaneses engineers, locked them in a room and told them not to come out until they improved the car in every way. They did it. This one should last me ten years or more.

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  Stay away from the 2004 Mazda MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By rvgray13 - May 25 - 12:17 am

  I bought this van used from a dealer. It didnt have a lot of miles on it (less than 50K, I think). It has been nothing but problems, coil packs go out regularly (Ive replaced at least 6 times), shift shock, front end control arms, hub bearings, tie rods. Terrible gas mileage. I have contacted Mazda corporate several times and they pretend they havent heard of the issues. Funny how the complaints are all over the web. I think the transmission just went out and I am leaning towards junking it and getting else.

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  Zoom zoom in a mid size SUV! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Ian Rapisura - May 24 - 2:49 am

  It is really a drivers car.It is easy to drive,its just like driving a small SUV.Head up display is great however ,as others have mentioned,it is difficult to see if you are wearing polarized sunglasses.I just wish it had surround view camera so it would be easier to park

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  Serious brake problems - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By cubanpete - May 23 - 9:31 am

  Anyone considering a mazda 6 should wait until they resolve the following serious issue: My 2014 sport has been in and out of service for loud clunking noises in the rear brakes. So far neither the dealer nor the mazda techs who came out have been able to resolve it. Apparently it has something to do with the calipers. So far theyve replaced many of the parts in both rear brakes to no effect. Currently I am waiting while they manufacture larger brake pads to install to see if this solves the issue. I asked them to just replace my vehicle, as this has been dragging on for a long time, but they refuse, so Im stuck with it while they use me as a guinea pig for their tests.